Gina Bodorlo - Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Human Resource Manager
Dexter Charles - Finance Manager
Alice Elizabeth - Marketing & Communications Manager
Mandy Forrester - Foundation Manager, Golden Bell
Sherese James - Program Manager, YEA!
Jenifer Marquart - Boynton Beach Market Director
Kristina Palacios - Office Manager
Laurie Pierson - Business Development Manager
Marti Soroka - Membership Development Associate
Sarah Vielot - Events Manager
Protecting Business through advocacy, education and resources.
As we move into the season ahead, there is a continued sense of momentum and opportunity throughout our region, making this the perfect time to focus on one of the most important ways the Chamber serves its members: Protecting Business.
Protecting business is at the heart of who we are and what we do. Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our mission, ensuring the voice of business is represented on the issues that matter most. Beyond advocacy, we provide our members with trusted resources, educational opportunities, and expert perspectives that help businesses anticipate change, navigate challenges, and prepare for the future with confidence.
As your Chamber, we remain committed to advocating for business while providing timely education and trusted resources. Our growing presence throughout Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Boynton Beach, and surrounding communities strengthens our ability to represent the interests of business, respond to emerging challenges, and support our members across the region.
"Protecting business is at the heart of who we are and what we do. Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our mission, ensuring the voice of business is represented on the issues that matter most."
This issue of Connection highlights the many ways business protection takes shape across our organization. Turn to page 4 for a recap of our Boynton Beach First Responders Luncheon, where business and community leaders came together to recognize the public safety professionals whose dedication helps create a safe environment for businesses to operate and prosper. On page 6, learn more about Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) and how investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs helps strengthen the future of business through education, mentorship, and real-world experience.
Education remains one of the most valuable ways we help businesses prepare for what's ahead. Through our PRIME Professionals Over 40 programming and complimentary Masterclasses, members have explored practical topics including artificial intelligence, mental health, technology, and marketing, equiping them with information needed to navigate change in today's evolving business landscape.
Our cover story on pages 10–11 features David Smail, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at ADT, whose leadership reflects ADT's longstanding commitment to helping organizations safeguard their people, operations, and future. His perspective demonstrates how preparation, innovation, and resilience are essential to protecting today's businesses.
Whether through advocacy, providing business education, or providing trusted information and resources, the Chamber remains committed to serving as a strong voice for our members. As the largest Chamber in Palm Beach County, representing more than 1,500 member companies and over 100,000 employees, we remain dedicated to helping businesses stay informed, represented, and prepared for long-term success.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Boca Regional Chamber. Together, we will continue to protect businesses through advocacy, education, and an unwavering commitment to serving the businesses that drive our regional economy.
Moving Business Forward,
Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP President & CEO
President & CEO, Troy M. McLellan
SUPPORTING AND PROTECTING BUSINESS IN BOYNTON
Chamber Honors Boynton Beach First Responders
The Chamber’s annual First Responders Luncheon was a meaningful celebration honoring the dedicated men and women from the Boynton Beach Police Department, Boynton Beach Fire Rescue, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue who proudly serve the Boynton Beach community. This annual event brings together business leaders, community partners, and local officials to recognize the courage, professionalism, and commitment first responders demonstrate every day. Whether responding to emergencies, protecting neighborhoods, or assisting residents during times of crisis, these professionals play a vital role in maintaining the safety and stability of the community.
The luncheon also highlights the important connection between public safety and economic growth. Strong first responder agencies create the foundation for thriving businesses, residents, and visitors to feel safe and secure. Companies are more likely to invest and grow in communities where dependable police, fire rescue, and emergency services are in place.
As Boynton Beach continues to grow, the partnership between the business community and first responders becomes even more important. Successful economic development depends on strong infrastructure, community trust, and public safety — all areas where first responders make a daily impact.
The Chamber’s First Responders Luncheon serves as both a thank you and a reminder that safe communities are essential to building a strong local economy and a vibrant future for Boynton Beach.
Innovation Starts from Within!
After program completion, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) of the Boca Regional Chamber has officially launched a new aspect in educating teens. The Chamber Youth Committee (CYC) is now established as a new track of leadership and business skills training to help teens grow personally and professionally. Today’s young people are tomorrow’s employees, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Understanding how businesses stay protected and relevant regarding changing laws, cyberattacks, or AI with good decision-making helps teens build responsibility, leadership, and real-world problem-solving skills. The CYC is especially important because it gives students a chance to connect with local business leaders, learn how the business community works, and develop ideas that support economic growth. The CYC also helps teens find their voice, strengthen teamwork, and prepare to make a positive impact in their schools, workplaces, and communities.business leaders of tomorrow!
Pictured is the CYC at a weekend meeting with Guest Speaker, James Carmody, Director of Social Corporate Responsibility at The Boca Raton. 2025-2026 CYC Officers seated (left to right): Chris Grau, Lead Ambassador; Sabrina Greenberg, Vice President; Maxx Viciedo, President; Brandon FIna, Lead Ambassador; Elan Beker, Secretary.
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a nationally affiliated program with the Boca Chapter being a 20-week program that is designed to train students in grades 6th thru 12th in entrepreneurial skills. YEA! is an interactive and engaging class that teaches students how to actually start and run their own business or social movement! Along with experienced instructors, mentors, and guest speakers, students discover what they are great at doing, what moves them in the world, and how that can possibly intersect with a business opportunity.
Information and applications are open on the National YEA! website at www.yeausa.org.
You may also contact Sherese James, Program Manager for the Boca Chapter and the CYC, at sjamesgrow@bocachamber.com. Deadline to apply is September 11, 2026.
To learn more about YEA!, please visit yeausa.org or contact Sherese James at sjamesgrow@bocachamber.com
The Boca Regional Chamber members listed below referred one of their contacts to join, and they did!
Joyce Hunter The Florida Printing Group
Dan & Michael Nathanson Nathanson Brothers Real Estate & Mortgage Team
John McClaskie Leading Edge Mortgage
Karen Laurence 215 Properties Real Estate
James LaBossiere TBT Property Management
Jack Schulman Black Cat Media
Lynn Lessell Itz Why LLC
Melissa Webster ADT Corp
Ashok Kapur Asoka Medspa
Adam Regev Brillify Merch LLC
School & Sports Physicals
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Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 20655 Lyons Rd. BaptistHealth.net/Physicals
DAVID SMAIL'S PROTECTING BUSINESS
We spoke with David Smail, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at ADT and Boca Regional Chamber Board Member, about protecting businesses, emerging security challenges, and strategies for building resilience in a changing world.
Q. ADT has become one of the most recognized names in security. How has the company’s mission evolved to meet the changing needs of its customers?
ADT has always been in the business of protection, but at its core, that's really about helping people feel confident in what they've built, whether that's a family and a home, or a business and everything behind it. What's changed is what protection needs to look like today. Families are living in more connected homes, and businesses are operating in a far more complex environment, with more exposure and more moving parts than ever before. Both call for something more thoughtful and integrated than traditional systems. We’ve evolved into a platform that helps businesses see what’s happening in real time, understand it, and respond with confidence. It’s not just about alarms anymore, it's about giving families and business owners real visibility and peace of mind across the people and places that matter most.
Q. Security today extends far beyond locks and alarms. How does ADT help businesses protect their people, assets, data, and reputation?
The conversation around security has fundamentally shifted. It’s no longer just about cameras or access control, it’s about knowing what’s happening across your business & being able to act on it in real time. We focus on making that visibility both accessible and actionable
by bringing systems together so businesses can move faster and make more informed decisions. Our monitoring adds another layer by cutting through the noise. When something happens, it’s not just an alert— it’s verified, understood, and acted on. That combination of insight & support allows business owners to stay focused on running and growing their business, with confidence in the moments that matter most.
Q. What role do artificial intelligence, remote monitoring, and smart technologies play in the future of protection?
AI is fundamentally changing what's possible in security. Remote monitoring used to mean someone watching a screen. Today, it means intelligent systems that can detect anomalies, flag unusual patterns, and alert the right people before a situation escalates. Artificial intelligence and smart technologies are helping turn large volumes of signals and data into something more usable, which improves how quickly decisions can be made. Our recent acquisition of Origin AI reflects we are using AI and smart technologies to redefine the industry. It introduces new sensing capabilities through a customer's existing Wi-Fi signals — in the home, that means understanding the environment and protecting a family without relying solely on traditional devices. That is part of a broader shift toward more intelligent, software-driven approaches to protection for households and businesses alike.
I believe that the human connection through remote and professional monitoring remains essential, especially when it comes to life safety. Technology can surface better information, but the outcome still depends on how that information is handled. Having a trained team that can interpret signals and act on them ensures that the right response happens when it matters, when every second counts.
Q. As a board member, what do you see as the Chamber’s most important role in protecting and advancing the business community?
What matters most is alignment, and the Chamber plays an active role in creating it. Business leaders are navigating more complexity across regulation, workforce, infrastructure and economic policy. No company does that alone. Through its advocacy efforts, the Chamber helps ensure that the priorities of the business community are represented in those conversations and that policy decisions support growth rather than slow it down. It also creates access in a very practical sense. Through its programming, roundtables and leadership forums, it brings together people who are dealing with the same challenges and making decisions in real time. That exchange of perspective matters. It gives businesses clearer insight into what is working, where risks emerge and how others are responding. The Chamber’s partnerships and economic development initiatives also play a role. Whether it is attracting new investment, supporting workforce development or strengthening the local business climate, those efforts help create a more stable environment for companies to operate and grow. And it raises expectations. When leaders are consistently in the room together, comparing results and sharing challenges, it pushes everyone to operate with more discipline and accountability. That is what turns individual success into broader, coordinated progress across the region.
Q. If you could leave Boca Regional Chamber members with one piece of advice about protecting their business, their employees, and their future, what would it be?
Treat protection as a leadership responsibility, not an operational detail. It's the same principle we see with the families we protect: security works best when it's woven into how you live and operate, not bolted on after something goes wrong. What you are protecting is not just your facilities or your systems. It is your people, your ability to operate efficiently and the trust that others place in your business. When something goes wrong, those are the things that are usually tested first. Risk will continue to evolve, but what matters is how prepared you are to respond. That starts with clarity: who is responsible when an issue arises, how quickly can decisions be made and does your team have the information they need to act with confidence. Without that, even well-intentioned plans break down under pressure. It also requires discipline. The businesses that hold
up over time are the ones that regularly reassess where they are exposed, adjust as they grow and take accountability for outcomes. They do not wait for an incident to reveal a weakness. If there is one piece of advice, it is this: build a culture where protection is taken seriously at every level. When your people understand their role and your organization is prepared to act decisively, you are not just protecting your business today, you are protecting its future.
Q. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of ADT, the business community, and the Boca region?
There's a strong sense of momentum right now across ADT. The focus is shifting from building capability to delivering results. We've made significant investments in technology and innovation, and now it's about bringing that to life, scaling our offerings, including ADT Blu, our new DIY home security product, through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, simplifying experiences, and finding smarter ways to serve our customers. AI is becoming a meaningful driver of that progress, helping us operate more efficiently, make better use of data, and ultimately deliver stronger outcomes. For example, as we integrate our cuttingedge Origin AI Wi-Fi Sensing technology into our offerings, we won't just be adding a new feature; we believe the ambient intelligence it adds will become a cornerstone of our future, allowing us to reimagine our industry and protect families and businesses more proactively than ever before. And in Boca, you can see a similar trajectory. There's continued investment, new businesses entering the market, and a growing sense of opportunity. That trajectory mirrors our own commitment. Boca Raton isn't just where ADT is headquartered — it's where our senior leadership lives and leads, and where we're investing for the long term. When you step back, what ties it together is forward motion — companies evolving, communities growing, and a real opportunity to build something stronger in the years ahead.
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Shawn Johnson ’19, ’21 Senior Communications Strategist, Florida Power & Light.
PROTECTING BUSINESS THROUGH EVENTS
Protecting your business requires more than planning for what could go wrong—it requires preparing for what comes next.
In today's business environment, challenges can emerge quickly. Economic uncertainty, workforce shortages, changing regulations, cybersecurity threats, and shifting market conditions all require businesses to remain informed, adaptable, and resilient. One of the most valuable ways to protect your business is by staying connected to the people, resources, and information that help you navigate change.
At the Boca Regional Chamber, we exist to promote and sustain economic prosperity in Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County. Through our events and programs, we help members build the relationships and access the resources that strengthen their businesses and position them for long-term success.
Protecting a business is about more than insurance policies, contingency plans, or risk management strategies. It is also about having trusted advisors, strategic partners, community leaders, and fellow business owners you can turn to when challenges arise.
That is why every Boca Regional Chamber event is intentionally designed to provide value beyond the room. Whether attending a Membership Breakfast, Live After Five, PULSE Professionals Under 40, PRIME Professionals Over 40, Successful Women in Business, a committee meeting, or a leadership program, members gain access to new perspectives, timely information, and meaningful relationships that help safeguard and strengthen their businesses.
Through more than 300 events annually, we create opportunities for members to stay informed about issues affecting our region, connect with potential clients and partners, learn from industry leaders, and build relationships that can prove invaluable during times of challenge and change.
A protected business is informed, connected, adaptable, and supported by a strong community. By bringing business leaders together and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, the Boca Regional Chamber helps members build that foundation every day.
To ensure every member experiences meaningful value, every event we design focuses on collaboration, impact, inspiration, and the sense of belonging:
Collaboration – Events that spark meaningful connections, partnerships, and long-term opportunities. Impact – Actionable knowledge and strategies that elevate you, your team, and your business. Inspiration – Ideas and energy that ignite innovation, creativity, and forward momentum. Belonging – Welcoming, supportive environments where you can engage confidently and comfortably.
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay resilient. Because protecting your business starts with being part of a strong community.
Celebrating Milestones
43 Years
• COBWRA
40 Years
• Boca Raton Christian School
• Boca Raton Museum of Art
• Boca Raton Regional Hospital
• Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation (AL-01)
• The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum & Boca Raton Historical Society
• Waterstone Resort & Marina, Curio - A Collection by Hilton
• The Business Development Board of the Palm Beaches
• The Boca Raton
• CBIZ MHM, LLC & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
• C. B. Schwaderer, Inc., Realtors
• Dataman Group Direct
38 Years
• City of Boynton Beach
35 Years
• JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
• Aucamp, Dellenback & Whitney
• Plumbing Experts
33 Years
• Fairman & Associates, Inc.
32 Years
• Fogel Law Group
31 Years
• Florida Aquastore
30 Years
• Meyers Properties
• Twisters Gymnastics Boca Raton, Inc.
• SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business
29 Years
• Via Mizner Golf & City Club
• Southwinds Golf Course
27 Years
• Research Park at Florida Atlantic University
26 Years
• Ged Lawyers, LLP
• Schoeppl Law PA
• City of Boca Raton
25 Years
• Academy Bus LLC
24 Years
• South Florida Business Journal
• JM Lexus
• Maggiano's Little Italy
• Boca Helping Hands
22 Years
• Two Men and a Truck
• West Boca Raton Community High School
• GEO Group, Inc.
• Delray Beach Open
18 Years
• American Association of Caregiving Youth
• C3 Complete
17 Years
• Economos Properties
• Eliot Popper, MBA, QPFC
• 4KIDS Palm Beach
• Spirit of Giving Network
16 Years
• Hawk-Eye Management, LLCThe Gordon Agency
14 Years
• ADT Corporation
• Broken Sound Club
• Yard House
• Truist Bank
13 Years
• Elizabeth H. Faulk Foundation dba Faulk Center for Counseling
